Reds' Lyttle looking to end with home lift

Cliftonville manager Gerard Lyttle is hoping for some home comfort to see out the season following away-day agony in 2017.
Gerard Lyttle. Pic by PressEye Ltd.Gerard Lyttle. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Gerard Lyttle. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

Lyttle’s Reds have lifted a single point from six road trips this year but now Cliftonville can aim to wrap up the season with a maximum haul back on familiar territory.

“Small margins have gone against us at times this season and even Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat at Ballymena was harsh,” said Lyttle. “We want to end the season in the right way, playing with pride and passion, especially in front of our own fans.

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“With the play-offs coming up we want to stay hungry and keep up our focus.

“Players are playing not just for places in the team but some for contracts after the play-offs.”

Glenavon visit Belfast with Rhys Marshall serving a suspension and manager Gary Hamilton aware of the disciplinary mathematics.

“The big concern, of course, is the risk of injury between now and the play-offs,” he said. “We also want to avoid suspension problems so will be resting Ciaran Martyn, Mark Sykes and David Elebert due to all three on the verge of bans.

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“Players coming in have done really well and managed to build up minutes on the pitch.

“Then you can see the progress of a young player like Jordan Jenkins and it is about making the most of the squad across the board leading into the play-offs.

“We cannot start on our summer plans until we know the budget so Europe impacts but, in terms of the players, the attitudes have been very positive.”